PHOTO Katarzyna Białasiewicz
YOU’RE BEING FOLLOWED
You’re walking home and there’s a creepy stranger behind you. He speeds up when you walk faster and you realise he’s following you.
WHAT TO DO
Leo Strand, director of training at the Sweden-based International Security Agency, advises that you turn around and quickly look at him for a couple of seconds. “Try to do this without showing fear,” he says. “You want to show him that you know a ‘threat’ exists and that you’d be able to identify him in case something happens. Keep walking but try to make your way towards an area where there are people, like a store.” Then call someone to meet you there.
YOU’RE FLASHED
You’re alone in a lift and a stranger enters on one of the floors, only to expose himself and make lewd suggestions and gestures at you.
WHAT TO DO
Don’t get worked up – this will only encourage or provoke him. Ignore him and start planning your escape. “Quickly move towards the lift buttons,” Leo suggests. “That is probably the safest location,
as you can control the lift from there, and prevent the flasher from pressing the Emergency Stop button, thus trapping you while he outrages your modesty further.”
YOU’RE MOLESTED
It’s rush hour on the bus or train. You feel someone brush up behind you and squeeze your buttocks or rub your thigh – and you’re sure that it’s not an accident.
WHAT TO DO
You might be tempted to turn around and slap him, but try not to, as you don’t know how he might react. Leo says: “If you’re certain you’ve been molested, quickly create a scene to get attention from other people around you, or get help from the driver.”
YOU’RE BULLIED ON THE ROAD
You’re driving on a busy road and notice another driver trying to bully you into changing lanes. You’re scared but also don’t want to be a victim.
WHAT TO DO
Laurize Mimay, operations manager of the US- based Michael Saad International, a threat management and personal security firm, says: “Your car is a 2,000kg defensive and/or offensive weapon or shield, so don’t even think of getting out of it. Unless the other car intentionally bumps into you, continue on your route. Of course, be mindful of that car, but do not be aggressive or indecisive.”
YOU’RE HARASSED
Someone cuts in front of you in the taxi queue. When you tell her off, she gets upset and picks a fight with you. You want to stand up for yourself, but you don’t want to get into a physical fight or screaming match with her.
WHAT TO DO
“Is losing your place in the line really worth the trouble?” asks Laurize. “Think about it before you make your next move. Sure, her pride may have been lost when you told her off, but it’s best to not continue the argument.”
YOU’RE ROBBED
You just got pickpocketed. You want to give chase, but are worried that the thief might have a knife and will attack you. At the same time, you don’t want to scream for help because you don’t want him to escape.
WHAT TO DO
“No matter how petty the theft, always assume the thief has a weapon and is prepared to use it to get away from you,” says Laurize. “Get a detailed description of him in the limited time you have – make a mental note of his height and build, what he’s wearing, his hair colour and so on. If you can take a photo with your phone, do it. After you have enough information to make a police report, start screaming to get attention. Even if he escapes, you already have his physical description.”
This article was originally published in Simply Her August 2012.